it has begun!
Engine was torn down yesterday and the new engine is already being assembled. Two interesting things came up so far:
1.) ARP main studs do NOT clear the VHR windage tray, the tray needs to be modified/notched in a few spots to clear a few of the studs which isn't really a concern but worth noting.
2.) The stock dual mass flywheel does NOT like torque. When they removed the flywheel they discovered that the spring portion which helps absorb some of the NVH has essentially broken allowing the 2 pieces to move independently. This was with maybe ~4k miles on my TT kit with the oem flywheel, I never even launched the car. Anyone who is still running the stock clutch and flywheel should be careful.